The Story of the Banners

There follow three detailed descriptions of the inspiration for and symbolism within each of the decorative banners in the church.
These beautiful collages were designed and made by a team of South Kirk ladies during the 1990s, led by a then member, Maura Rae.

IF you have time to visit the church, please take time to look at these in some detail.

The Pulpit Fall.

It seemed appropriate to take “The Word of God” as a theme for this location.

Jesus is the Word made flesh and His humanity is depicted as being offered on the cross. His arms are not nailed to the cross but raised in surrender to form “the cup of suffering” which He had begged in Gethsemane to have removed from Him. Silver is the colour of redemption and also creates the metal for the sword of the Spirit which was released to us by Jesus’ resurrection. Gold is the colour of kingship and the golden flames signify Jesus’ status after the resurrection and authorises those related to Him to wield this two- edged sword inside His protective shield.

The “GROW” banner.

This was such a complex subject and with so many different themes that it was felt it was necessary to create a triptych ( 3 joined panels ). The description reads from left to right.

Green is symbolic of growth and was chosen as the fundamental background colour.

It was felt important to start by symbolising the action of the Holy Spirit. The Dove, fire and water in the first panel are all biblical symbols of the Holy Spirit.

Trees are often referred to in passages relating to growth and ours in the middle panel shows how essential it is to be rooted in Jesus and points out that the fruits of growth are the fruits of the spirit. Indeed, the Scripture reference reminds us of our complete dependence on the Spirit for the action of growth. Encapsulated in the centre of the trees is an illustration of the catalyst and nest of growth, the small fellowship group. Notice that each individual depicts the characteristics of growth described in 1 Cor 3. The golden soles illustrate the fact that we have a secure imperishable foundation in Christ, thereafter what we choose to build on top may be of variable quality. Would that we could all build as much gold, silver and precious stones as the embroiderers wished for us and as little wood, hay and stubble! The most precious source of growth is the golden bible at the centre of the group.

The third panel emphasises the end product of growth put in the context of its process in the parable of the sower.

Please look at the references tucked around the banner and meditate on them.

please click to view a larger version of this photo

The "GATHER" Banner. please click to enlarge!

This shows people being gathered in and moving from darkness through the Cross and into the Light.

‘Gather’, being a verb, provided the first challenge: movement was established by introducing some perspective, so the figures appear to start at the bottom and move up to the top.
The fishing net indicates the gospel power to catch souls (all sorts!) and the fish are symbolic of the souls of men.
A gold crown is a symbol of royalty and the net belongs to the King with our aim being the Kingdom. There are five crown floats on the net because five is the number of grace and ministry gifts. The figures are transformed as they go through the cross. The cross is picked out in scarlet, because this is the colour of atonement, and silver denotes redemption. White stands for purity and jewels are the glories of the saints.

Maura Rae

NOTE: For scripture references for the symbols or further information on the subject, read ‘Interpreting the Symbols and Types’ by Kevin J. Connor.